Learn about Golf Wedges Website

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

With so many different makes and types of golf clubs on the market, it is no wonder beginners, let alone the more experienced golfer, can become easily confused when it comes to buying clubs.

Follow along as we examine what is available on the market today and what they can do for you...and your golf game.

How tall are you? Standard clubs are made for anyone between 5 to 6 feet tall and should work out fine. That principle holds for both sexes. If you are taller or shorter than that, then you should seriously take a look at custom made clubs.

Cast Iron or Forged Iron Golf Club?

Cast iron is the normal route to take when buying new clubs.

And there is a reason for that. Because most standard cast iron golf clubs have a larger "sweet spot". That term refers to the area in the middle of the face of the club head where the ball should be struck for maximum distance and accuracy. The bigger the sweet spot, the better chance of hitting well it every time. You can still be a little "off center" and the ball is still struck well because you have a larger margin of error. You can see why beginners are usually told to stay with cast iron clubs Their swing is not as consistant as a seasoned golfer or a pro and so they have an easier time driving the ball well with a larger sweet spot at their disposal. This is the major reason why you see larger or even "oversized" clubs made, especially the oversized drivers today. These clubs allow for a larger sweet spot and make the game a lot easier for the average player

Forged iron clubs are generally the opposite. Harder to hit with because of a smaller sweet spot on the club face.

Which begs the question. Why make forged iron clubs?

Because the "softer" forged metal gives the golfer a better feel than the harder cast iron does. The better players, on the other hand, will give up that larger sweet spot [and even some distance] to get that better feel of each and every shot they take. With a more consistant swing, they usually strike the ball dead center on most shots anyway. With the better feel of the forged iron club, they can draw, fade, hook or slice the ball deliberately when circumstances on the golf course require it.

The next consideration is the material for the shaft. Steel or composite?

The basic factor to consider here is swing speed. How fast do you swing your golf clubs? Slower swing speeds will send you over to the composite shafted golf clubs. The result of lower swing speed is less yardage on each shot. You want to find some way to offset your lower swing speed. And that is where the composite shaft material comes in. The composite shaft will give you longer drives than you will normally get with your low swing speed and steel shafted golf clubs.

For golfers with faster swing speeds, you don't necessarily need more distance. What you really want is more control. A steel tube shaft will give you that control to go along with your acceptable distance.

Have your swing speed determined by visiting your local pro shop or a golf store that is equiped with a swing speed radar device. Or simply buy a small radar device for yourself. You can find some small devices that operate by batteries but are effective enough to determine your swing speed.

So there you have it. Just a few quick tips but ones that will start you down the path to finding the right clubs for your game. Take the time to try different clubs and see how they hinder or help your game. If possible, even try different types of composite shafts. Different manufacturers will have different standards for shaft flex and so on. Check out as many as possible and take note of how each works for you.

If you implement these tips and work on them, you will be certain to develop a better drive within a short period of time. Just keep on practicing and working on your improvement. It's only a matter of time before your scores begin to drop.

The simple way to learn the proper feel of your swing center is to place a golf ball on the ground and, with sun to your back, take your stance in a position whereby the shadow of your head covers the ball. As you swing, keep your eyes on the shadow. During the swing the shadow will move slightly, however if it moves off the ball you have lost the correct swing center. If the shadow remains on the ball you have kept the swing in the correct position. Repeat this excellent drill daily so as to reinforce good habits that will yield the reults you seek.
...PGA

Assuming the texture of the sand is similar, and the ball is not plugged, the technique for hitting out of a greenside bunker remains the same for shots up to 30 yards (27m). The key to making this shot is hitting the sand about 1 to 2 inches behind the ball, throwing the sand forward with the ball. For longer shots the only thing that changes is the swing's length. Rhythm and tempo remain the same.
...PGA Tour

Build An Athletic Platform
Developing a powerful and consistent golf swing always starts with the address position. Tension should be avoided at all costs. Instead, the setup should have a light and bouncy feel that gets you ready to move freely in an athletic way. Tension restricts the body from moving properly and requires the hands and arms to play too active a role in the swing. Rehearse your setup carefully, and your swing will improve.
...Golf Tips magazine

Leg Angle
The lower leg should angle away from the ball at setup. This helps the body weight move off the heels and into the balls of the feet. This is an athletic position that really works.
...Golf Tips magazine

Posture Not Perfect
Unless you're young or unusually flexible, you're not going to look like Tiger Woods at address. Stay relaxed rather than forcing your back straight.
...Golf Tips magazine